It took me a little bit longer to replace this text than it has in previous years. I often attempt to get it up originally of January to alert individuals to the Nationwide Park free day on MLK Day.
This 12 months, it didn’t really feel as pressing.
As a result of MLK Day wasn’t free. Juneteenth – which was added as a fee-free day in 2024 – was additionally faraway from the listing in 2026.
Learn the plain into that if you’ll. It’s not notably discreet.
There are different modifications to the fee-free days at Nationwide Parks this 12 months that make them not as free. However first, we’ll get into the dates.
Nationwide Park Free Entrance Days for 2026
Previous to 2018, there have been weeks-worth of free Nationwide Park Days. However within the years since, the quantity has been minimize down. Listed below are the times which might be fee-free – for some individuals – in 2026.
- President’s Day. New addition this 12 months. February 16, 2026. Vacation historically celebrates Lincoln and Washington, however the NPS web site is simply highlighting Washington’s birthday.
- Memorial Day. New addition this 12 months. Might 25, 2026.
- Flag Day. New addition this 12 months. June 14, 2026. NPS web site can also be highlighting this as the present president’s birthday.
- Fourth of July Weekend. New addition this 12 months. July 3—5, 2026.
- NPS’s Birthday. New addition this 12 months. August 25, 2026.
- Day the Structure was signed. New addition this 12 months. September 17, 2026.
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday. New addition this 12 months. October 27, 2026.
- Veterans Day. Solely day that’s constant from final 12 months. November 11, 2026.
Days which might be now not free
Along with MLK Day and Juneteenth, this 12 months’s calendar additionally eliminated the primary day of Nationwide Park Week, the Nice American Outside Act day, and Nationwide Public Lands Day from the listing of fee-free days.
Who will get to make use of fee-free days at Nationwide Parks?
For the primary time in 2026, fee-free days aren’t free for everybody. You need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to qualify.
Along with limiting fee-free days, for non-residents and worldwide guests over the age of 16 there’s a new $100 per particular person price along with regular park-entrance charges. America the Stunning passes, which get you into Nationwide Parks for $80 as a citizen or resident, are a whopping $250 for worldwide guests.
You can be requested for proof of citizenship when shopping for your move. It must be a passport, state-issued ID, or resident card.
The citizenship documentation additionally applies to ACCESS card candidates. That is the free-admission move for disabled individuals. On this case, a start certificates will also be used. This has not been a requirement for these life-long passes earlier than – many individuals get the passes after they present as much as the park, and Individuals don’t often carry round their proof of citizenship with them on trip.
The documentation requirement for incapacity was decrease – you can use a state-issued card for Medicaid in lots of situations. Immediately, you want a complete physician’s notice or proof of SSI/SSDI certification.
Supposedly these citizenship/residency checks will not be used for immigration enforcement. However early into the 12 months, belief in these kinds of guarantees has been eroded. The brand new requirement is inflicting some guests to flip round on the gate – this isn’t a traditional apply individuals in America are accustomed to.
Free Entry to Nationwide Parks 12 months Spherical
In the event you fall into any of the next demographics, you will get a free nationwide park move. You solely want one per automobile to get into the park, so if anybody in your loved ones falls into one in all these classes, you could have the ability to get the whole clan in without spending a dime. With all of the rule modifications this 12 months, it’s in all probability greatest to name forward and verify.
- You’re a 4th grader. Eligibility begins in your first day of fourth grade in America and ends in your first day of fifth grade. That is the one move that doesn’t explicitly listing proof of citizenship/residency on the federal government web site on the time of writing, although you could need to do extra analysis your self.
- You’re a member of the army or a army dependent.
- You’re a federal lands volunteer with no less than 250 hours underneath your belt.
You’ll be able to study extra about every of those packages right here.
TIP: A few of these passes get you half off tenting grounds, too. We’ve talked earlier than about how this may be notably useful when you’re planning a Nationwide Park RV journey on a funds.
Not-Free Annual Move
Relying on how usually you go to Nationwide Parks, it would make sense to spend money on an annual move. There are totally different costs for various elements of the inhabitants.
Annual Move – $80 – $250
That is the move for the overwhelming majority of individuals. You’ll should pay an annual price, and you will get it if you’re:
- An American citizen between the ages of 16 — 62 for $80.
- A global customer – for the elevated price of $250 relatively than $80.
In the event you’re simply visiting one park that has a per-car price, this move won’t prevent cash – until you’re a world customer dealing with that new $100 per particular person cost with out an annual move.
However U.S. residents or residents who’re doing a number of entries or visiting a number of parks would possibly preserve some further money of their pockets with the $80 move.
Senior Annual Move – $20
In the event you’re age 62 or over and have proof of citizenship or residency, you will get the annual move for simply $20, which is much extra prone to prevent cash over the $80/12 months possibility.
Senior Lifetime Move – $80
Need the senior move to final past this 12 months? In the event you’re a U.S. citizen or resident, you possibly can pay $80 as soon as and maintain it for the remainder of your life. You’ll be able to solely get this move when you’re age 62 or older.
Moving into Canadian Nationwide Parks for Free
The primary strategy to get into Canadian nationwide parks without spending a dime is through the use of the Canada Sturdy Move between June 19 and September 7, 2026.
12 months-round, free admission is granted by way of a Canoo cellular app. This technique is reserved for many who have turn out to be Canadian residents prior to now 12 months, or individuals who have immigrated to Canada prior to now 12 months.
The second strategy to get into Canadian Nationwide Parks without spending a dime is to be younger. Anybody underneath 17 years of age can get into nationwide parks without spending a dime on a regular basis. Discover out extra concerning the youth program right here.
One other group of those who get into Canadian nationwide parks without spending a dime are assist individuals for disabled vacationers. You don’t should be knowledgeable — assist individuals could be relations, pals OR skilled aides. If the particular person wants help to go to the park, you because the assist particular person get in without spending a dime.
The ultimate group of individuals to get into Canadian nationwide parks without spending a dime? Since 2024, that’s been army members and veterans. If you wish to declare this low costremember to carry your CF One Platinum card or your Veteran’s Service Card.
